PUREX
Plutonium Uranium Reduction Extraction
PUREX is a wet chemical reprocessing method that separates plutonium and uranium from spent nuclear fuel using organic solvents. It recovers over 99% of fissile materials for reuse.
Plutonium Uranium Reduction Extraction (PUREX) involves dissolving spent fuel in nitric acid and selectively extracting Pu and U with tributyl phosphate in kerosene. Developed in the 1950s, it produces high-level liquid waste that requires vitrification. Used historically in France, UK, Russia, and Japan; produces weapons-grade Pu if not managed. Commercial reprocessing capacity is about 5,000 tHM/year globally.
Why it matters now
PUREX reprocessing enables fuel recycling amid uranium shortages and HALEU demand for SMRs in 2025-2026. Investors eye it for closing fuel cycles in advanced reactors like Natrium, reducing waste volumes.
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